Café de Paris
The Café de Paris, in London's Piccadilly is one of the most famous and durable venues in the world. With a glittering history spanning nine decades, the Café has consistently played host to a wide variety of powerful and absorbing performers and guests-members of the aristocracy, eminent political figures, dazzling pop stars, captains of industry, superstars from the silver screen, even royalty!
It's all about dazzling glamour and opulence. Holding 715 people, the venue contains three separate bars in addition to the mezzanine and main dance floor - the Red Bar, the Blue Bar and the Fantasy Rooms (VIP area). The award-winning restaurant is open on Saturday night, accompanied by live cabaret. Drinking tables are available to book both on the mezzanine and the downstairs VIP area near the dance floor.
The musical output varies depending on the night but Café pioneers the concept of a credible commercial music policy - from disco house to funk to hip hop to big beat. By operating a strict door policy, which insists on style and attention to detail, the venue has consolidated its position by maintaining its high standards.
History
Opening its doors in 1924 the Café de Paris quickly established itself as one of Europe's premier nightspots. Much of the early success was due to a visit from the Prince of Wales, who became a regular guest bringing with him the crème de la crème of European society.
The success of the Café continued right through the 1930s, with a whole new host of powerful and successful figures joining the Café Society. The legendary Cole Porter became a regular, and used the venue not only to entertain the top singers of the time, but also to showcase his new songs, often for the very first time.
On March 8th 1941 when two 50K landmines came through the Rialto roof straight onto the Café dance floor; eighty people were killed, including Ken 'Snakehips' Johnston who was performing onstage at the time.
After the war, in 1948, £7,500 was spent and things soon started to move smoothly again, cementing the Café's reputation as the smartest place in London. It was perhaps inevitable that the times would change, the onset of rock and roll and the swinging sixties began to leave their mark and Café became a dance hall throughout the 60s and 70s with little of the previous glamour.
In 1983 the photographer Nick Fry discovered the venue and eventually persuaded the management to hold a club night on Wednesdays. Models, fashion editors and popstars all congregated religiously at the Cafe every Wednesday, but the roaring decade soon burnt itself out, and soon the Café lay dormant again.
The Café De Paris re-opened in 1996. It immediately became the place to be seen once again attracting A-list celebrities and London's infamously transitory 'in-crowd', the hippest awards ceremonies - from MTV to GQ to The Brits - have all chosen Café as have major catwalk designers and the world's biggest celebrities throw lavish parties.
High profile events are attracted to a high profile venue. When Puff Daddy wished to celebrate the European release of his new album - when Sony wished to celebrate 20 years of the Walkman - Prince wanted to throw a secret gig for the elite few - he got on stage at the Café. From the James Bond party to the Vivienne Westwood catwalk show to the Spice Girls party to Lennox Lewis celebrating his world titles, the Café De Paris is without doubt leading the field. In an often fickle and transitory world, the Café has cemented a place in the London night scene.
The Restaurant
A descent via the sweeping double staircase into the opulent surrounds and lighting of the restaurant lends a grand sense of occasion to dining at the Café de Paris. This blend of decadence and understated splendour creates an ambience of cosy, cosseted privilege - an impression that is well supported by their discreet and genuinely knowledgeable waiters.
The award-winning cuisine, crafted by Executive Chef Peter Temple-Hoff - formerly from Hambleton Hall Restaurant and Hotel and most recently La Rascasse in Mayfair - is an unfussy selection of contemporary European dishes created with care and panache and served in sumptuous surroundings with impeccable service making dining at the Café de Paris a memorable experience. The menu is complemented by a varied and well-chosen wine list.
The restaurant is only open on Saturday nights, starting at 6.00pm with the final seating at 7.30pm, though dining continues until 10.00pm. When dining is over guests may stay and enjoy the rest of the night in one of the bars or dance into the early hours.
Review taken from www.restaurant-guide.com
Café de Paris / 3-4 Coventry Street / London W1D 4BL Map
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